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Drug methylation in cancer therapy: lessons from the TPMT polymorphism

Oncogene volume 22, pages 7403–7413 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

The genetic polymorphism of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is one of the most developed examples of pharmacogenetics, spanning from molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics for individualizing thiopurine therapy (i.e. azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine). Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and biochemical consequences of TPMT deficiency demonstrates how pharmacogenetic traits can be identified, characterized, and translated to the bedside. Insights gained from studies of the TPMT polymorphism illustrate the potential of pharmacogenomics to optimize cancer therapy by avoiding toxic side effects in genetically distinct subgroups of patients.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by Grant R37 CA36401, Cancer Center Support Grant CA 21765, and by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC).

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, 38105, TN, USA

    Eugene Krynetski & William E Evans

  2. University of Tennessee, Memphis, 38163, TN, USA

    Eugene Krynetski & William E Evans

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  1. Eugene Krynetski
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Correspondence to William E Evans.

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Krynetski, E., Evans, W. Drug methylation in cancer therapy: lessons from the TPMT polymorphism. Oncogene 22, 7403–7413 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1206944

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